Claudia Brogan stepped into the Toast Master slot and did a masterful job. Each speaker introduction was informative, welcoming, and even exciting. We had three great speakers live up to their intros!
“It’s not you, it’s me: Time to discuss our relationship.” Our effervescent Ericka Butler prepared us for a story of personal heartbreak. (C&L Manual Speech #9 Persuade.) “We need to talk, there’s plenty of blame to go round. I take the Majority of the blame.” Then she suggested we push the Reset Button. She spoke of derivatives and how we all benefited financially. She reported that many of us used our homes as ATMs. She suggested that we had a need for fiscal responsibility in our own lives. She also mentioned S&P down grading the USA credit level, Arab spring, Gitmo, insecure Politian’s seeking love and attention, lobbyists with agendas, and our nation being in a trench with the walls collapsing. Ericka said it was time to push the reset button and fix things. Ericka left us with three suggestions. Cross-pollination of congress was one of them. Ericka closed with “It’s me; I take the majority of the blame”. We must nominate that lady for a political office!
“The New IHOP” Once again the Audience had an erroneous title mindset only to have Linda Hall bring us to a new and different IHOP concept. Linda celebrated her birthday with a special meal at IHOP. She used language not only to communicate visual images, but auditory and olfactory with music (she even sang a little) and the smell of onions and chilies. We went upstairs and downstairs at this two story IHOP, mentally wondering, while Linda spoke, just where this IHOP was located. We met Linda’s friends from Indonesia, and Romania. We finally learned, amid balloons, little Zachery, a fabulous meal, and a cake from Mozart Bakery that Linda’s birthday dinner gathering was at her home, the International House of People. It was a nice twist and we all had a fun visit!
Following a seven minute break with delicious food and much visiting, we returned to hear “Are you not working at networking?” Richard Kirby asked us if we were building a team to help us get what we want. He encouraged us to get at least 25 people out every day looking out for us. He spoke of the TEAM concept, Together Everyone Achieves More. He told us to imagine what we could accomplish if we had 25 folks helping us. He gave us four strategies: 1. Go one- on-one, strengthen your network relationships so they will keep you in mind. 2. Pay it forward by asking how you can help others, 3. Follow up on a timely and consistent basis and 4.Leverage LinkedIn by staying current so recruiters don’t overlook you. By helping others get what they want out of their lives, you can achieve your own goals, according to Zig Ziegler and Richard. By the way, this was Richard’s 10 Speech! Congratulations Richard on completion of you CTM.
Cindy Cannon served as General Evaluator and called on her team for their reports. Mimi as acting president thanked Claudia for an excellently run program. Business included the great news that Kelly Vandever had completed her club mentoring and other requirements and is eligible to receive her DTM on September 24th. Congratulations Kelly for a job well done as well as making us all so proud.
No meeting Labor Day but be here September 12th for another fine evening with the fine folks of Speakers Roundtable Toastmaster Club.

YAY, Merrilee~~ this was a meeting that had lots of info and scoop and storiees to follow along with: your summary is colorful and thorough. thank you so much for all your faithful persistence with this!!
)